Neena hadn't expected anyone to bother her unannounced besides her boyfriend. He was usually the only person who dropped by without any kind of heads up. So when she opened the door and was greeted with her brother, she froze. The brother who had gotten into a fight with her boyfriend and then left town without any kind of word to her.
The brother who had taken calls from her dad but refused to pick up when she called. The brother who just left her. But she was too happy to see him again to do anything more than pull him into a hug. "Why didn't you just move in with dad?" She asked, still hugging him tightly. Their dad had like 10 bedrooms open in the house they grew up in. He had more than enough room to house his son while he was looking for a more permanent place.
Pulling back, Neena now smacked her brother. "Don't ever do that again! I could kill you! You didn't take my fucking calls, Noah!" She loved him, and she was glad he was back, but she hated that he had left her like that. But as he mentioned Evren, Neena's eyes narrowed. "No, Evren isn't here. But you better be nice, I'm still dating him."
Noah laughed sarcastically at her suggestion of moving into their father's home. He loved his dad, dearly, but was never too much of a fan of living with the man, even for a short period of time. His dad liked to talk, and nowadays all Noah really wanted was some peace and quiet , especially when he was off the clock. "I don't think dad wants his grown up son living at home anymore, sis. Wouldn't want to cramp the old man's style..." he joked.
He half expected the smack. He had been a bit of an asshole in not taking any calls from Neena, or even speaking to her since he left town randomly, but he felt it was necessary. "My bad, I'm sorry." Never being one for big apologies.
"You know you don't have to keep seeing that guy just to spite me, Neena." Noah joked. "But good. I haven't seen him since I almost broke his face, better keep it that way." He joked again, unable to stop himself.
"I get it, why do you think I chose New Bellevoux to move to?" He asked with a smirk, "not including knowing you and Neena lived here." He waved off with a slight chuckle before stretching out a bit on the couch.
"Yeah things are good. Business is booming back home. Things are up and coming here," he shrugged, "can't really ask for more." Though having a girl to call his would be icing on the cake, he didn't wanna go on about that. "What about you dude? Anything exciting on the horizon?"
"Yeah that's starting to make a lot more sense now, dude." Noah shrugged. Taking a seat on the couch next to Fin. Turning his head to listen to the man speak about how well work was going. Noah was still very much stressing about his own business, but wasn't about to let that show too easily. He was happy to hear his friend's was going well though. "Good to hear man, good to hear." He nodded.
"I'm okay." He said a little bluntly. He didn't want to lie, but okay was still somewhat holding back how he really felt. "I'm taking a little break from the music biz, opening a bar down here. That's not as easy as I thought it would be though." he shrugged again.
He listened as his girlfriend's brother spoke. They had never been on the best of terms before, and the fight in the bar had been no denying that. But, at least in this particular instance they could manage it with no issues, at least for now. As the other shook his hand, Evren nodded. There was no need for a response, just like there was no need for an argument. He knew how he felt about Neena and he knew that he would do anything to keep her safe. Maybe one day her family would believe him.
"Oh, congratulations." he nodded, hands in his own pockets. "If you need any help or anything with set up or anything, feel free to stop by or reach out and I'll swing by and do what I can." he nodded. "You have an opening date yet? I'll be sure to come by and check it out."
Noah could be mature and respectful when he wanted to be, or needed to be in most cases. He was a business man at the end of the day, and had to deal with a great number of people on a daily basis he didn't particular care for. So even if he still didn't completely trust Evren, he could at least refrain from starting anything with the man, for now.
"Thank you." Noah nodded, looking around the shop a little. "Not yet. I was supposed to be opening at the end of the month, but things are taking a little longer. I'll deffo hit you up if I need some help though." he smirked, turning back to Evren.
Now there was only one real reason Noah was here, and it wasn't for a tatt or to get help opening his shop. He cared about his sister. More than anything, and as much as it pained him that she was still with this guy, he was going to have to deal with it for the time being. "How is Neena anyway?" he asked, unable to resist bringing her up. Deluding himself into thinking he was going to catch Evren out, and have a real reason for hating the man.
⸻ It was one of the cases of friends of a friend… That was the artist of this exhibition. She spent a lot of days confined to her home, taking care of her daughter who was sick, after spending 5 days in the hospital with her. The blonde was trying to find any excuse to get out and get some fresh air, and meet more people. Then her gaze shifted from him to the painting before them. ❛ Er… I don't know. I just don't like this one. ❜ She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly.
❛ It's okay if you don't like this one. It isn't exactly my style. I almost didn't make it here today. ❜ She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. His next words took her a bit by surprise. ❛ Oh really? What do you do then? ❜ There were a few people eyeing her, as if 'i see this face in somewhere but cannot pinpoint where', but the blonde was ignoring them, probably recognizing her by her work in the movies.
"Me neither. I got asked to come though. These places are always good for, networking and such." Noah shrugged. He had needed an excuse to spend a night away from worrying about the bar, and rather than spend it drinking another one dry, a visit to a local art show was the next best thing.
He took another sip. Trying to think of a way to best describe his career, or what was left of it. "I manage artists. Singers, a couple of bands. I'm taking a break from that though. Trying my hand at running a bar." He shrugged. Noticing a few of the eyes around them, not exactly on the art work in front.
One thing Finn had been doing since moving to town was to get the word out about his family's winery and wines. They had been sold throughout the United States, and Finn's job since moving to New Bellevoux was to make sure places in town sold it. Whether through a restaurant, a bar, a pub, or even just a liquor store, he made sure Barclay Wines was an inventory staple.
Getting a text from Noah wasn't unusual but seeing that he was opening a bar, intrigued Finn. So having a meeting was the next step, though of course it was bound to be informal and more of a "shoot the shit" kind of thing anyway.
"My man!" Finn replied as he opened the door, holding Koda's collar as the dog had barked before Finn heard the knocking. The dogs stubby tail wagging a mile a minute and wanted to say hello. "It's good to see you too, and I was going to send out the national guard to look for you."
"Just had to get away man, clear my head. Sort out some shit." He shrugged. Not wanting to bore his friends with the details of his little breakdown. Not that he would be at all willing to talk about that stuff without a few drinks in him first.
Noah reached down and stroke the dog gently on the head as he entered. "How have you been dude? business going well?" he asked as he walked in. Hoping to shift the conversation onto Finn as much as he could. He also genuinly cared for the guy too.
⸻ Aurora was invited to this art exposition, she likes to collect some pieces. Today she does not plan on buying anything, just to honor the artist, although his style wasn't exactly her taste. She checked her phone to see if there was any message about Bonnie, her daughter. Nothing. ⎯ Good, she could relax a little, also she checked her phone if a certain somebody had sent her a message, also NOTHING.
She sighs deeply, flipping her silky, blonde platinum hair with the back of her hand, exhaling her own perfume, and her fringe falling on her eyes, adjusting it, putting it aside. As the brunette directed the word towards her, she turned to him. ❛ I am here just to honor artist. I don't know him too well if I'm honest. ❜ She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly.
❛ It's not my style… I enjoy minimalism, but not like this. ❜ She turned to look at him, her grey-bluish hues met his gaze, as she held the glass of champagne, intact. ⎯ ❛ I like it with a tad more details. Are you an artist? ❜
When she replied he was pleased to find she hadn't just brushed his idle chit chat off. He knew artsy types could be a little snobby, and he didn't exactly look as high end or as fancy as most of the people here.. He listened to her say she was simply there for the artist, assuming they were a friend of hers. He had been forced to many of his friends shows, and gigs, and even if he didn't like their style, he knew what it was like to support them anyway.
"Yeah it's a bit, odd." He mumbled, quickly realising that she may know who painted it, and he didn't want to offend "In a good way, of course." He added. Hoping he had saved himself.
He took a sip of his drink. A tactic he had been using to help him try and resonate with the art around him, but even the open bar wasn't helping him there. Turning to give the girl his full attention. "No, not in this way." He gestured to the piece, without looking at it. "I work in music." It was more of a past tense thing for him now, but he still had one foot in that world.
To say that Noah Dunn was the last person he wanted or expected to see in his shop was an understatement. Something about the other coming in here made his skin crawl, but, one thing about Evren Osman was that he wouldn't show his ass at work unless he had to. At least, not for anyone but Neena, but, that wasn't information anyone needed to know. He was professional before he himself was a hot head, and for a split second, he applauded he other for coming there to talk to him; but only for a minute. He couldn't go out here and boost the other's ego just yet. Not without knowing why he was here to begin with.
"I gathered as much, man." he nodded, a bit of snark in his voice when the other admitted he was there to talk. Evren didn't want an apology. Sure, it'd be nice but, Evren wasn't one that typically let apologies change his opinions anyways. Sadly for Noah Dunn the likelihood of this changing his opinion of his girlfriend's brother was slim; at least for now. There was too much to prove between the two of them still. "We didn't." he agreed as he listened, eyeballing the guy at the front desk who took the opportunity and the look on his bosses face to leave the area, leaving Evren and Noah truly alone. Yet, instead of taking the chance to speak first, he listened, letting the other get a word in. The apology was nice, and while it wasn't something he'd expected, he could take one when he heard it.
Extending his hand to shake the other's, Evren nodded. "I get it. You just want the best for your sister and as an older brother, I understand that." he nodded. "But I wasn't lying when I said what I said before. About treating her properly." he stated. "Regardless of how anyone else sees our relationship, Neena's one of the very few things that I care about in this world and as long as I have a say so, she's gonna be cared for to the best of my ability." he stated. "I can promise you that." he exhaled, removing his hand and placing it in his pocket.
Noah couldn't read Evren well at all. So as he spoke, without interruption, something he was extremely surprised by, he tried his best to gage what exactly the man in front of him was thinking as he stood there. All he knew was this wasn't going to be an easy reconciliation. Even if this 'chat' goes well today, he knows he still won't be super happy that the guy's with Neena, but that would probably be the case with anybody she dated. He was a protective brother, and had always been. That wasn't about to change, no matter what reassurance he got from Neena, or Evren.
He reached out, firmly gripping the man's hand and shaking lightly. Keeping eye contact with Evren as he did so. His expression still fairly plain. "Glad you understand." He muttered. Pulling his hand back and resting it on the desk in front of him.
"And I sincerely hope the best of your ability is good enough." As Noah said it he heard how it sounded. Even if he did try and speak with a lighter tone than before. He wasn't here to threaten the man, not this time. "Look. I'm opening a bar in town soon, just down the road from here. It's almost ready, and I'm having a small, opening party thing. If you wanted to come? I know Neena would want you to be there." The offer was genuine, but maybe a small part of Noah was also just trying to save face here. Specifically his.
With a nod of his head, the guy at the front desk grabbed the appointment book. "We do. And we've got an opening in about five minutes, bossman's just finishing up." they stated, nodding towards the book for the person to sign in with their name and contact info. "You know what you want to get? Or?" they paused, eyes focusing on the other as Evren finished up their client, moving to the front desk and noticing Noah standing there. Exhaling, he waved his former client out the door before he looked at the book. "You here for a tattoo?" he questioned, raised eyebrow as the tension seemed to grow now that they were in the same room again.
Noah caught that familiar whiff of tension in the air the moment he laid eyes on Evren. He wasn't here to fight though, and had to constantly remind himself of that fact. Something about the man's face just made him want to punch it, but he couldn't. He wasn't that guy any more.
"Possibly." Noah said blankly. He had a couple of pieces of ink all over his body, and was usually pretty particular about who laid needle to his skin, but in this instance, and for the sake of peace, he might be willing to let Evren have at it.
"I actually sort of came here to talk, dude. To you." As if that part wasn't obvious. "I've been gone a couple of months, and I know we didn't exactly leave things on the best of terms last time..." he shrugged, not the best of terms being a true understatement. Slowly looking up at the man in front of him. Swallowing every ounce of pride he had.
"I wanted to apologise. For how I was." It was almost nice, the way Noah put it, but of course, he couldn't leave it at just that. "I mean, I don't trust you as far as I can throw you, still. But I'm trying to not be such a, hot head?" Dick being his preferred term of phrase, but hot head also worked.
"So, what do you say, we good?" Noah asked. Unable to quite read how the other man was about to react. Hoping he wouldn't make this more dificult than it had to be.
She didn't want to be so dismissive, but when she listened to her therapist and tried new things and ended up this with her whole body screaming and her heart ready to burst from her chest, Sydney wasn't sure if the advice was worth it. But grieving, and being a hermit and barely seeing anyone, let alone walking or doing any exercise had knocked her down a few pegs. And she was facing the consequences for it now.
"Same. And to think I used to be a regular at pilates." She let out a huff as they were told to get down on their hands and knees again. Breathing heavier, Sydney pushed through the move while sweat dripped down on the mat. "Does it have to be so hot in here too?"
"Couldn't be me." Noah scoffed. The only exercise he had ever really done was weights at the gym and all the walking he had to do(not by choice most of the time) back home. But that was mostly Noah's fault for accepting a car from his dad that barely worked most of the time, and he only really kept because it was retro and cool.
He turned to the girl and smirked. "I think that's the point." He huffed as they bent down to get into the next position. "Though I think this is the last time I'll be doing this, that's for sure."
Neena was knee deep in a House of Dragon rewatch marathon. She had finished up the next episode and was feeling pretty ahead of the curve with the following episode and deserved a break for all her hard work. So, curled up on her couch with her comfiest clothes on, a bottle of wine already almost finished and her favorite Indian takeout on the table all but licked clean, Neena was in heaven.
That was until someone decided to bang on her door. "Go away!" She shouted. But as the knocking continued, she finally paused the show and got up being dramatic and groaning as she shuffled to the door. "I swear if this is you, Evren I will not be happy unless you have a gi-" She paused in her rant as she opened the door.
Noah. Neena blinked, for once silenced as she stared. As she blinked again he was still there. Her brother who hadn't spoken to her since the day they fought in his bar and then he packed up and left town. He hadn't taken any of her calls, hadn't responded to any of her texts or face times. She knew from their dad that he still called him, but for some reason he was avoiding her.
A million emotions raced through her before she finally flung herself across the threshold and wrapped her arms around him in a big hug. "Don't ever do that again, or else I will kill you." She murmured against her brother's shoulder, not wanting to ever have this distance between them again.
Before she even opened the door Noah could hear his sister rambling from the other side. Until it swung open and there she was stood there, looking back at him. "Hey sis." before being pulled into a warm embrace. Weirdly this wasn't the reaction he expected, but he was glad it was.
"Don't plan on it." He smiled as he hugged her back. Soon pulling back from the hug and looking at her. "Speaking of no distance, I actually just moved in upstairs. Temporarily. Of course until I find my own place in town." His sister being one floor apart from him wasn't the only reason he chose to move into the apartment building, but it was a bonus for sure.
"Mind if I come in? that boyfriend of yours isn't lurking around is he?" Noah joked. Unable to help himself from making a dig, though he had no intention of starting all that up again.
Noah had never been an artsy guy in the traditional paints and brushes type of way, but he could appreciate a good piece. It was something he believed he learnt from his mother, though most people consider him to be very much his father's son. She was an art dealer, before she met his dad, and their house was always full of expensive pieces, but nothing too over the top, they were usually pleasant to look at.
But here Noah was, staring at what looked like an almost blank canvas, though judging by the hefty price point you'd hope it wasn't just that. He needed something to hang on the wall of his new bar, but by the looks of the stuff here, he may have to thrift it instead. Still, not wanting to offend anybody, he stood sipping his champagne, and trying to look somewhat interested.
He then spotted a pretty blonde right next to him, suddenly a lot less interested in the artwork on the wall, and a little more interested in the beauty stood beside him.
"Are you a fan of their work?" he asked, trying to remember who the hell even created the piece in front of them. "I think it's a little, too abstract. But that's just me" He had no clue what he was saying, but he really hoped she couldn't tell.
Who: Noah & Finn @finneganbarclay
Where: Finn's Place
What: Closed Starter
Noah knew it wasn't going to be as easy as he first thought getting his bar up and running, but after finally getting himself a little bit settled in his apartment, he thought it was a good idea to get things going. If he wanted to open in a week or so he had to get stock, and who better to supply Noah with some of the finest wines around than his old pal, Finnegana Barclay. It also gave Noah an excuse to see the guy, knowing it'll be a laid back, and pleasant reunion.
He shot Finn a text to arrange a 'meeting' though he knew it wasn't going to be anywhere near as formal as it sounded, and headed over to Finn's place. He knocked hard on the man's door and then stood waiting, checking some messages from the contractors at the bar telling him the place was practically finished. He'd be a lot happier and settled back here when things are finally sorted.
As the door slowly swung open and he laid eyes on his friend, he smiled, stepping forward and putting his arms around the man. "It's good to see you bro."
"Sorry for ghosting before, though i doubt you noticed. Bet you're far too busy"
This already felt like a bad idea, but after his talk with his sister Noah knew he had to clear the air with her boyfriend if he ever wanted to have a chance of things being okay again. The last time he saw the guy they were throwing hands in the middle of a fucking strip club, of all places. Now, sober as a stone and heading to Evren's place of work, Noah was hoping things wouldn't end with him covered in bruises this time.
He stepped through the door of the tattoo parlour and headed right up to the desk. Not seeing anybody right away, he called out "Hey, you guys doing walk-ins?" Unsure if Ervren was even there, but sure enough letting the guy touch his skin with a tattoo needle before they could clear the air was pretty damn unlikely.
Noah hadn't spoken to his sister since their fight and he knew that was all on him. He felt awful for what had happened, and looking back on it now, he couldn't believe he acted like such a dick. He knew he could be over protective sometimes, but getting physical with his sister's asshole boyfriend, was a step too far even for Noah.
He also didn't feel too great about dodging his sister's calls. Taking time to himself, and taking the time to reflect on everything back in LA, was just what he had needed, and a new Noah, a slightly more mature, and grown up big brother, was the least his sister deserved.
So back in Bellevoux, and not quite able to believe he was actually here by choice this time, he finished off unpacking a few boxes and decided it was time to head out, and have a talk with his sister. Luckily she wasn't too far away, since Noah had moved temporarily into the the same apartment block, so all he had to do was take the elevator down to her place, and knock. A feat that was a little easier said than done.
After what felt like the longest elevator ride of his life, Noah stepped out and headed down the hall to his sister's place. Hoping she was in(but at the same time, he would have been a little relieved if she wasn't)
He knocked twice. Loudly. And then waited for the door to swing open. Hoping that it would be his sister's face that would greet him as it did, and not that boyfriend of hers. He wasn't quite ready for that reunion yet.
Where: Inspire Yoga
Who: open @newbellevouxstarters
"Why is it that we live in a literal swamp, but yet hot yoga feels way more hot and swampy than outside?" Sydney asked the person next to her as they came up from yet another chair pose. Her therapist had been pushing for her to get out more, to try and become one of the living again since she was stuck in the past and the grief of Jesse. It felt stupid, just trying to do this when she wanted nothing more than to go home and curl up on her couch once more. "I might just lay down soon, I'm so out of shape." Maybe jumping into a hot yoga class hadn't been the best idea. Even if it was open for beginners.
The last thing Noah ever expected to find himself doing was yoga. He barely even worked out at the gym, and the only really cardio he got was his morning jog every couple of days, but a friend back in Cali had convinced him to take it up, and right now he was really starting to regret taking up that advice.
"Yeah I can honestly say I am never doing this again..." In Noah's defence he had signed up for the class after a couple of wines at the bar, and was never one to skip out on plans. Still, from now on he'd steer clear of any class sign up sites after today. Especially with a hangover.
Noah Dunn was born in LA, only son of the Dunn family. His father was a famous musician and Noah always aspired to be like his dad.
After Noah was born, the Dunns found it impossible to have any more children. They tried for a long time and consulted the best doctors money could buy, but nothing worked.
When Noah was eleven they adopted Neena, and the Dunn family was finally complete.
Noah was always very protective of his little sister. Sometimes a little too protective, but he had promised his dad he would take care at all times.
Their dad was always touring or playing local gigs around LA, and sometimes he'd take Noah with him. Noah loved it, seeing his old man play on the stage and watch the crowd go wild. He loved the music and the atmosphere and never stopped aspiring to be a part of it all.
He spent a lot of his teenage years singing at open mic nights, attempting to play his dad old guitars, and though he wasn't too bad with an electric keyboard, Noah knew he'd never be as good as his father no matter how much he practiced.
Even if he couldn't play like a rock star, he still tried to live like one, and was extremely rebellious in his later teens. Partying, getting into trouble, but still managing to do well in school, and keep all his hijinks a secret from his mom and dad.
He attended college to study Music Management, hoping to be involved in his favorite industry in any way he could. He had a mind for business, and a skill for scouting out the best talent so it felt like the next best thing after being on the stage.
He studied at UCLA, moving into a small apartment on campus, and when his dad retired and the rest of his family moved to New Bellevoux, Noah stayed in California to pursue his career.
He graduated college, began managing some local bands and artists and even almost settled down a couple of times, though those relationships never lasted very long.
A few years later he got a call from his dad, telling him that his mother had gotten sick, and it was a lot more serious than it had been before.
So he dropped everything, headed to Bellevoux, spent a couple of months with his family, and made sure he was there for his father and sister when his mother eventually passed.
His mother's passing was hard on his whole family, but being the eldest brother, he felt he needed to keep things together and be strong for his father and little sister.
So he stayed in town for a while and put his career on hold. Thinking he could maybe find some local artists to take back to LA with him, but all Noah really did was work behind a bar five days a week and meddle in his sister's life a little too much.
After a heated argument between him and Neena regarding Noah's meddling in her love life, the man decided it's best he leave town and go back to his old life.
He missed L.A, and knew he had to get this career of his off the ground soon, so without telling anybody he left Bellevoux and headed for Cali.
After Bellevoux
Noah moved back into his old apartment and soon enough it was as if he hadn't left in the first place. Though maybe things would have been better if he hadn't left at all.
He got back into managing some struggling young artists, but even though it was exactly what he had done before, this time it felt different.
No matter how much money he made, or how successful his acts were, Noah wasn't enjoying the job any more.
It never felt like a job before because he loved what he did, but getting up for work every day now felt like a real chore. 6am meetings, late nights at the office, constant touring. It wasn't easy.
Noah started to wonder if he preferred it when he was just stood behind a bar. Talking to customers, having a couple of drinks with his patrons, and nobody there ever expected too much of him because of his name.
He also missed his family, and the few friends he had made back in Bellevoux. He hadn't spoken to his sister since their fight, and if what had happened with their mom taught Noah anything, it was that time was precious, and family was the most important thing.
So, for the third time in his lifetime, Noah packed up all his things, quit his job, and hit the road. This time a little more optimistic about his decision.
He's now back in Bellevoux and hoping to make a change. Even buying a run down old bar in the centre of town, knowing that he'd much rather run his own place than have some boss tell him what to do. He could even put on his own gigs this time around, showcase some local talent without the stress of managing them.
He's only been in town a day or so, but he already knows that he's made the right choice. All he has to do now is make things right with his sister, and everything should, should work itself out.
Other Stuff:
He's a solid singer and guitar player but was never really good enough to make it big, but will use any excuse to get up on a stage and sing or play, especially if he's had a few whiskeys.
Still loves to put on events at the bar, but he's extremely particular about letting people sing karaoke to his dad's songs.
He's extremely proud of his dad and the career his father has had, but will rarely talk about it, not wanting to be considered a nepo kid.
A true hopeless romantic, addicted to dating apps, but nothing ever really goes past a first or second date since he's so damn picky.
He's calls his dad every single day, they're extremely close and he still worries about him since Noah and Neena's mom passed away.
Wanted Connections
Ex Dates/Flings: He was extremely active on the dating scene when he first came to Bellevoux, through either the apps or meeting people at his bar, though nothing ever got past the second or third date.
Drinking Buddy: Loves a whiskey on the rocks and will take up any excuse to have a drink with a friend.
Regular: Someone who comes into the bar a lot, maybe someone who doesn't really know much about Noah, but is willing to talk all night with the friendly bartender.
